Celebrating Peter McArthur: A 100-Year Legacy of Literary and Political Influence
GLENCOE - On June 16, a sunny Father’s Day afternoon, the Glencoe & District Historical Society held a moving event titled "The Haunts of Peter McArthur," celebrating 100 years since the influential Canadian writer and politician’s passing. This unique road trip across Glencoe and surrounding areas commenced at Peter McArthur’s farm, made its way to Eddie Cemetery, and concluded at the local Archives. It was a journey through time and the profound legacy of Peter McArthur, a man once a voice for both rural and urban readers through his widely-read columns, articles and books.
Mary Simpson, President of the Glencoe and District Historical Society, highlighted the significance of the event. “We just had a beautiful event commemorating Peter McArthur, our famous writer… Back 100 years ago, he died at the age of 58. And he was super well known. As a weekly writer, he had a column in the Globe and Mail or the equivalent of the newspaper at the time. And the community got together to pay tribute to him and try to get the next generation to learn and read his writings and to learn about his life, because he is a fascinating character,” she explained.
The first stop at McArthur's Farm included readings and personal reflections from both family descendants and aficionados of McArthur's work. Stephanie McDonald, an enthusiast of McArthur's writings, shared a favourite excerpt about his love for the farm and Ekfrid Township. "I grew up in Ekfrid Township, the same as Peter McArthur. And I really didn't know about him until about two years ago... I find him to be a very fascinating person. I'm very proud to think that he's from this area," McDonald expressed.
At Eddie Cemetery, attendees gathered around McArthur’s grave where a graveside plaque was unveiled. Mirah Simpson, a relative of McArthur, emphasized the personal connection the community still feels with him. “Because he came from an agricultural background and lived in the community and loved the community people. And we people who live in the same community that he did, we can identify with a lot of the things that he wrote about. And he is and still can be an inspiration to other local people, to strive for what you want to believe in and what you want to do. Specifically, write your stories,” she remarked.
The event concluded at the Archives with refreshments and a display of McArthur’s books and articles. Here, attendees had the opportunity to mingle and share stories, making the event not just a remembrance but also a community celebration.
As the event wrapped up, Mary Simpson reflected on the broader impact of preserving local history. “Understanding our past is crucial for all generations. History is becoming increasingly vibrant as we incorporate diverse perspectives, such as indigenous and black narratives, which enrich our understanding of Canadian history. Our society aims to make these stories accessible and engaging for everyone," she noted.
The "Haunts of Peter McArthur" not only paid homage to a local icon but also fostered a sense of unity and historical awareness among new generations, continuing to inspire the Glencoe community and beyond.
David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Middlesex Banner
